Behind Bars: A Prisoner Art Exhibit

The third annual Behind Bars Prisoner Art Show was held in the Big Red Barn on the Cornell campus. The exhibit will kicked off on October 27th at 6:PM with an art opening and sale. Art by prisoners depict scenes of prisoner life, memories of family, and fantasy worlds. Despite the lack of materials, prisoners find ways to express themselves through art.

Prisoner Express, a program of the Durland Alternatives Library promotes rehabilitation by providing information, education and opportunities for creative self expression to incarcerated individuals throughout the United States.

As a way of saying thank you for the various educational programs and books sent, the more than 2000 active members of Prisoner Express frequently send artwork to their pen pals and the program. The exhibit will be available for viewing from Oct 27th to Nov 27th. The artwork is evocative, challenging, and reflects the artists using art as a way to escape and survive the prison experience.

For information on Prisoner Express visit www.prisonerexpress.org or call the Durland Alternatives Library 607-255-6486. The Durland Alternatives Library is a project partner of the CRESP Center for Transformative Action, and this show is sponsored by Arts @ the Barn through GPSA Fellows
funding.

From: Gary M. Fine, Prisoner Express
Blog: http://comlaw.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/prisoner-express-behind-bars-a-prisoner-art-exhibit

D.A.N. President Meets D.A.N. Members

This past Fall Break I had the opportunity to travel down to my home town, Verona, NJ. During my time I visited our D.A.N. Chapter at Verona High School, which is now in its 7th year active.

In a surprising turn of events I was speaking to a class about D.A.N. when the teacher asked the question, "who here has gone to a D.A.N. meeting?". A student towards the middle of the room raised his hand. Afterwards, we had a chance to chat for a bit. He shared a fantastic idea for an event in Verona. I'm not going to go into any details now because I wouldn't want to give anything away. But I will say, definitely keep an eye on the D.A.N. Members at VHS, they have some really great ideas.

If you are interested in getting involved with D.A.N. in your hometown send an email to info@doanythingnice.org or use our online contact form.

Cornell University To Open This Fall

Cornell University has received approval from their educational institution and has begun preparations for their first meeting. This marks the third official D.A.N. Chapter to open since our incorporation in January 2007. I would like to say thank you to the dedicated executive board members (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary) of the Cornell Chapter for their foresight and commitment to this organization. Also, thank you to Cornell University for supporting our cause.

In the coming months we will see Cornell craft their D.A.N. Chapter to the needs of their local community. You can keep up to date with chapter progress and events in our Chapter Forum.

The Purpose of D.A.N. Global

Purpose of D.A.N. Global
D.A.N. inspires a generation of students who lead higher and lend a hand to their school and local community. Our aim is to encourage students to Do Anything Nice.

Our Beliefs

• Empower – Guide – Enable. We create an organization that grows as students grow.

• Lead and Listen. We believe student’s innovative ideas are the blueprint for tomorrow.

• Build Community. We bring students together for an old fashion handshake and genuine “how ya doin”.
  

For more information contact Charlise Manuel (Director of D.A.N. Global) at cmanuel@doanythingnice.org or use our easy-contact online form.

The D.A.N. Vision

Do Anything Nice believes the 'little things' in life make a difference. Our aim is to inspire people to interact with kindness as part of everyday life.

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